Battery- powered blower

ABSTRACT

The battery-powered blower includes a housing assembly including a first housing portion having a first inner surface, a second housing portion having a second inner surface, and connected to the first housing portion, and a third housing portion connected to the second portion. The third housing portion has a side outer surface configured to receive a battery. The battery is mountable to the side outer surface of the third housing portion. The second housing portion in connection with to the first housing portion forms an inner chamber therebetween. A fan is provided in the inner chamber to facilitate airflow through the housing assembly and out an outlet, and a motor is provided intermediate to the second housing portion and the third housing portion. The center of gravity with respect to the overall blower is provided proximate to a handle portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a blower. More particularly, the inventionrelates to a battery-powered blower having a compact housingconfiguration that facilitates ease of user operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand-held blowers are generally used for cleaning and/or removing lightobjects from surfaces, such as blowing away fallen leaves, and/orblowing away light debris, for example. Conventional hand-held blowersinclude an air outlet or tube, which extend in a generally outwarddirection from a frontal portion of the blower. During operation, theuser selectively points the tube of the blower in the direction of theobject(s) and presses a trigger. The trigger is connected to a switch,which activates a fan within the blower. Accordingly, the fan generatesa relatively powerful force of air, which is exerted from the tube. Bypointing the tube at the objects, the user is able to move the objectstowards a selected location using the force of air.

In general, most mobile blowers are either gas-powered orbattery-powered and have a self-contained power source, allowing theblower to be transported without the restriction of a cord. Mostgas-powered blowers include an internal combustion engine, a blowersection driven by the engine, and a handle coupled to the body. Onedisadvantage of gas-powered blowers during operation is that they mayrelease undesirable emissions into the environment, which is notenvironmentally favorable. In addition, gas-powered blowers require thatthe user maintain a constant supply of fuel for the engine. Thisrequires repetitive refilling of the blower that may result in furthernegative environmental impact as a result of storage and/or spillage.

Most battery-powered blowers use a high powered battery to provide powerthe blower. Such batteries may be between 18V to 80V, and may havebetween twenty to forty cells. One common problem with generally highpowered batteries are that the batteries are relatively heavy incomparison to the overall weight of the blower. Also, the batteries aretypically positioned at the rear of the blower and at a position, frontto back that is vertically under the handle, which requires the user toexert high torque forces to turn the blower and overcome the forcescreated by its location.

To optimize the user's experience, and reduce user fatigue duringoperation, it is important to balance the component masses within theblower. It is further important to reduce the torque forces required bythe user to operate the blower during operation. The two heaviestcomponents of the battery-powered blower are generally the battery andthe motor. In most existing blowers, the battery is positioned at arearward end of the blower.

One disadvantage of positioning the battery near the rear of blower isthat the distance from the handle (the suspension point) to the rear ofthe blower can be rather long. As such, the torque forces required torotate the blower left to right, or vice-versa, during operation, arerelatively high, requiring the user to exert an high amount of energy tooperate the blower. Accordingly, blowers having such a configuration maybe rather difficult for a user to operate over an extended period oftime.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the present need for a battery-powered blower with a compactconfiguration, a brief summary of various exemplary embodiments ispresented. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in thefollowing summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce someaspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scopeof the invention. Detailed descriptions of a preferred exemplaryembodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to makeand use the inventive concepts will follow in later sections.

The battery-powered blower includes a housing assembly including a firsthousing portion having a first inner surface, a second housing portionhaving a second inner surface, and connected to the first housingportion, and a third housing portion connected to the second portion,the third housing portion having a side outer surface configured toreceive a battery. The battery powered blower further includes a batterymountable to the side outer surface of the third housing portion. Thesecond housing portion in connection with the first housing portionforms an inner chamber therebetween. A fan is provided in the innerchamber to facilitate airflow through the housing assembly and out anoutlet, and a motor is provided intermediate to the second housingportion and the third housing portion

The battery-powered blower has a handle portion formed by connecting thesecond housing portion and the third housing portion. The second housingportion includes a first part of the handle portion and the thirdhousing portion includes a second part of the handle portion. Thebattery is secured to the side of the third housing portion with abattery mount. Additionally, the motor is positioned laterally below thehandle portion. An aperture is formed on the side of the first housingportion to facilitate air flow into the inner chamber.

The battery-powered blower includes a foot that is removably attached toa lower portion of the housing assembly. The foot has a first bracketconnection to the first housing portion and a second bracket connectionto the second housing portion. The foot also provides an extension toprotect the battery. The battery-powered blower further includes atrigger operatively connected to the handle portion. As such, the rearend of the housing assembly is longitudinally less than 8 inches fromthe trigger. The battery powered blower further includes an inlet coverpositioned on the outer surface of the first housing portion.

In further various embodiments, the battery-powered blower includes ahousing assembly with a handle portion, a battery mountable to a sideportion of the housing assembly, a motor provided within the housingassembly and where a center of gravity of the blower is located belowthe handle portion.

In further various embodiments, the longitudinal distance from thecenter of gravity of the battery is less than 10 mm from thelongitudinal center of gravity of the blower.

In further various embodiments, the longitudinal distance between thecenter of gravity of the motor and the center gravity of thebattery-powered blower is less than 10 millimeters and the longitudinaldistance between the center of gravity of the motor and the centergravity of the battery is less than 127.00 millimeters. Additionally,the battery covers more than 30 percent of the surface area of theoutside of the third housing portion of the blower.

In further various embodiments, the battery-powered blower includes, ahousing assembly including a handle, a battery mountable to the sideouter side surface of the housing assembly, a motor provided inside ofthe housing assembly; and the battery and motor are positionedvertically beneath the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand various exemplary embodiments, referenceis made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery-powered blower having acompact body configuration, illustrating a battery unit installedthereon;

FIG. 2A is a first side view of the volute inlet side of thebattery-powered blower of FIG. 1 illustrating the center of gravity ofthe battery-powered blower and components, about the longitudinal axis(x);

FIG.2B is a side view of the battery side of the battery-powered blowerof FIG. 1, illustrating the center of gravity of the battery-poweredblower about the longitudinal axis (x);

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1,further illustrating the center of gravity of the blower and componentsabout a lateral axis (y);

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery-powered blower ofFIG. 1 and components;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1,illustrating a first housing portion in detail;

FIG. 6A is a front view of the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1,illustrating a third housing portion in detail;

FIG. 6B is rear sectional view of the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1,illustrating a motor assembly operatively connected to a fan;

FIG. 6C is a rear view of the battery powered-blower of FIG.1,illustrating the vertical center of gravity of the blower about avertical axis (x);

FIG. 7 is a side view of a handle side of the battery-powered blower ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a motor assembly positioned in a motorcase;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1,illustrating the tube alignment with the handle portion and the distancebetween the handle portion and the end of the battery-powered blower;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1,further illustrating a foot member connection to the housing assembly;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a foot member configured to provide asupport for the battery-powered blower of FIG. 1 to be mounted in aresting position;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the foot member of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is an elevational view of the foot member of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is an environmental perspective view illustrating thebattery-powered blower operated by a user at an optimal angularsuspension point;

FIG. 13 is an elevational top view of the battery-powered bloweroperated by a user illustrating rotational operation;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a motor of the motor assembly, and thefan, operatively connected by a pulley system.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been usedto designate elements having substantially the same or similar structureand/or substantially the same or similar function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles are shown byway of examples of systems and methods described. In the followingdescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the examples. It will be apparent however,to one of ordinary skill in the art, that the examples may be practicedwithout limitation to these specific details. In other instances, wellknown methods and structures are not described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure understanding of the examples.

The blower suspension point is the location that the user engages theblower during operation. The moment of inertia is the mass property of arigid body that determines the torque needed for a desired angularacceleration about an axis of rotation. The moment of inertia dependsgenerally on the shape of the body, and may vary at different axes ofrotation. It is generally preferable for a handheld device to have a lowmoment of inertia, which is a good indicator of ease rotation and thusoperation.

In general, the moment of inertia of the handheld blower may be reducedby positioning the heaviest components, such as the battery and motor,proximate to the suspension point of the handheld device. In doing so,the moment of inertia of the hand-held device will likely be reduced,and thus, the torque required to operate (i.e. rotate the hand-helddevice) will likely be reduced as well.

The battery-powered blower described herein is a radial blower (but theprincipals described herein are not limited to any specific type ofblower), which provides a housing assembly with a relatively compactconfiguration. The compact configuration of the battery-powered blowerpositions the motor and battery relatively proximate to each other, aswell as proximate to the suspension point in the handle. By reducing thedistance between the motor and the battery, as well as the respectivedistance between the handle, the battery and the motor, torque forcesrequired to rotate the blower and thus the moment of inertia duringoperation is significantly reduced. Another mechanical advantage of arelatively compact configuration is that the overall longitudinal lengthof the battery-powered blower is reduced. Thus, the distance from thehandle to the rear of the blower allows a user to operate the blowercloser to their body, providing the user with enhanced control, thusproviding further efficiencies in use.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the illustrations are forpurposes of describing one or more embodiments and not for the purposesof limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of thebattery-powered blower, generally designated by the reference numeral100. The battery-powered blower 100 generally includes a housingassembly 110, a tube 112 connected to the housing assembly 110, and anenergy component, such as a rechargeable battery 114, removably mountedto the housing assembly 110. The battery 114 is mounted to a side of thehousing assembly 110 so that a majority of the battery is located withinthe outer perimeter of the housing assembly 110, as viewed from the side(see FIG. 2B). As shown, the tube 112 is connected to the housingassembly 110 to control the direction of air exiting the housingassembly 110.

The battery-powered blower 100 further includes, a foot member 116removably connectable to a lower portion of the housing assembly 110.The foot member 116 provides a base, allowing the battery-powered blower100 to sit on a surface. Additionally, the foot member 116 incooperation with a battery mount 108 protects the battery 114.

The energy component 114, in the form of a rechargeable battery 114, isremovably connected to a side portion of the housing assembly 110. Thebattery 114 may be a lithium-ion battery type, providing approximately40-56 volts or more of power to drive the battery-powered blower 100. Assuch the battery 114 may include 20 cells to 30 cells, or more. Notably,it is further contemplated that other rechargeable battery types andpower sources may be used to provide power to the blower 100, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Further, batteries thatprovide other voltages to power the battery-powered blower 100 are alsocontemplated.

For purposes of discussion with respect to the battery-powered blower100 and the center of gravity distance measurements,the terms center ofgravity and center of mass may be used interchangeably. In general, thecenter of gravity is defined as the center of mass or the point at whichthe entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that ifsupported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in anyposition.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 12 shows a conventional operatingposition for the battery-powered blower 100. As shown, the user holdsthe battery-powered blower 100 at its suspension point (which isproximate to the trigger 166 in the handle 156) at an equilibrium angleα, which is generally between the range of −30 to 0 degrees relative tothe longitudinal axis (x), which in this case is approximately −25degrees. In this position, the user points the tube 112 generallytowards the object(s), he/she wants to blow at an operating angle of α(−25 degrees), relative to the (x) axis.

To determine the overall center of gravity (mass) for thebattery-powered blower 100, the center of gravity for each respectivecomponent of the battery-powered blower 100 was also calculated. FIGS.2A, 2B and FIG. 3 illustrate the center of gravity of the separatecomponents of the battery-powered blower 100, and the component'slongitudinal and lateral relationship to the overall center of gravityof the battery-powered blower (BL). As shown, a coordinate system isdepicted to illustrate the relative positions of the components. In thecoordinate system, the (x) axis represents the longitudinal (front toback) center of gravity of the battery-powered blower. The (y) axis isoriented in a lateral direction, and extends to the left and right withrespect to the (x) axis, and represents the lateral (side to side)center of gravity of the battery-powered blower. The (z) axis isoriented at a right angle to the (x) axis, in the height directionextending vertically relative to the horizontal arrangement of the (x)axis.

As illustrated, the longitudinal and lateral center of gravity of theoverall battery-powered blower BL is achieved proximate to thesuspension point of the trigger 166 and the handle portion 156. In thisembodiment, the above-described coordinate system is centered at BL.Reference to the center of gravity for each respective components inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 will be further described later herein. Notably, asdepicted in FIG. 6C, the vertical center of gravity of thebattery-powered BL_(z) is located vertically proximate to the motor 190and battery 114.

FIG. 4 represents an exploded view of the battery-powered blower 100.The housing assembly 110 includes a radial fan 150, which issubstantially mounted within the housing assembly 110. The fan 150 isconfigured to rotate radially within the housing assembly 110 to forceair out of the tube 112 at outlet 119. As illustrated, the housingassembly 110 includes a first housing portion 120, defining a volutehousing inlet side, a second housing portion 122, defining a volutehandle side, and a third housing portion 124 providing a handle coverportion.

As shown, the housing assembly 110 is formed with the first housingportion 120 fastened to the second housing portion 122 such that theinner surface 140 of the first housing portion 120 is positionedadjacent to inner surface 104 (not visible in FIG. 4) of the secondhousing portion 122. Further, the second housing portion 122 is fastenedto the third housing portion 124 such that the opposing inner surface130 of the second housing portion 122 is positioned adjacent to theinner surface 106 (not visible in FIG. 4) of the third housing portion124. The overall longitudinal length of the housing assembly 110 isapproximately 389.3 mm at a −25 degree working angle, as shown in FIG.2A as X_(HS).

As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first housing portion 120 has acentrally disposed aperture 132. The aperture 132 provides an inletallowing air to flow into the housing assembly 110 when the fan 150 isactivated. An inlet cover 136 or grill is removably attachable to theexterior surface 146 of the first housing portion 120. As such the inletcover 136 has a reticulated configuration, partially covering theaperture 132 to prevent debris from entering the aperture 132, duringoperation.

The first housing portion 120 has in interior surface 140 formedtherein. The interior surface 140 has a volute-shape, providing a firstportion of an interior chamber 142 and further defining a portion of anair passageway 144. The first housing portion 120 also has a sleeve 148configured to receive a proximal end 118 of the tube 112. The firsthousing portion 120 is comprised of a generally rigid, plastic material,which may be polyurethane, or a similarly durable plastic compositematerial, such as Xenoy (polycarbonate+polybutylene terephthalate),glass filled Nylon, Nylon, ABS, polypropylene, polymers, polymer basedcomposites, for example. FIGS. 2A-B and FIG. 3 illustrate therelationship of the longitudinal and lateral center of gravity of thefirst housing portion 120 at FH to the entire longitudinal and lateralcenter of gravity of the battery-powered blower at BL.

Accordingly, the longitudinal distance X_(FH), from the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the first housing portion FH, to the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the Blower BL, is approximately equal to 14.7 mm.The distance of the lateral center of gravity of the first housingportion FH to the lateral center of gravity of the Blower BL, is Y_(FH),which is approximately 81.4 mm.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second housing portion 122 is centrallydisposed in the housing assembly 110, generally between the firsthousing portion 120 and the third housing portion 124. Similar to thatof the first housing portion 120, the second housing portion 122 may becomprised of a plastic material, such as polyurethane, Xenoy glassfilled Nylon, Nylon, ABS, polypropylene, polymers, polymer basedcomposites, for example. As shown in FIG. 4, the second housing portion122 has an interior surface 104, which in cooperation with the firsthousing portion 120, defines the interior chamber 142 and the passageway144 The second housing portion 122 also includes a portion of a sleeve149, which in cooperation with the sleeve portion 148 of the firsthousing portion 120, cooperatively receives the proximal end 118 of thetube 112.

The interior chamber 142 receives the fan 150 therein. The fan 150 isconfigured to generate a vacuum, forcing air to flow through aperture132, into interior chamber 142 and passageway 144, and through the tube112. As shown, the fan 150 is disposed within the interior chamber 142and is aligned with the aperture 132. The fan 150 is operativelyconnected to a motor assembly 160 (via a belt drive system describedlater), which rotates the fan 150. As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, FIG. 3, andFIG. 6B the center of gravity of the fan 150, is represented at FN, inwhich X_(FN) is approximately 9.9 mm longitudinally from thelongitudinal center of the gravity of the battery-powered blower BL. Thedistance of the lateral center of gravity of the fan 150 at FN to thelateral center of gravity of the blower BL is Y_(FN), which isapproximately 58.3 mm

The second housing portion 122 further includes a first part 154 of ahandle portion 156. The first part 154 of the handle portion 156 isprovided generally at an upper portion of the second housing portion122, and is configured for connection to a second part 164 of the handleportion 156, which will be described further in detail hereinafter. Thethird side portion or inner surface 130 of the second housing portion122 provides a series of mounts 159 a-d. As shown, the mounts 159 a-dengage the battery housing 182 to provide mountable support of the motorassembly 160. The supports 161 a-d on the motor housing 182 (as seen inFIG. 8), are configured to receive the respective mounts 159 a-dprovided on the second housing portion 122, thus securing the motorhousing 182 to the second housing portion 122.

As illustrated in FIGS.2B and FIG. 3, the second housing portion 122 hasa center of gravity represented as SH, which is approximately 11.9 mmlongitudinally from the longitudinal center of gravity of the batterypowered blower BL, shown as X_(SH). Further, the second housing portion122 has a lateral center of gravity distance of Y_(SH), which isapproximately 39.1 mm laterally from the lateral center of gravity ofthe blower BL.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the motor assembly 160 includes a motor 190for providing power to the fan 150 by converting electrical energy tomechanical energy. The motor assembly 160 further includes a switch 178connected to the motor 190 through connectors 162, and a motor fieldcase 182 configured for mounted engagement to the second housing portion122, to cooperatively enclose the motor 190 with the second housingportion 122. The motor 190 engages the fan 150 through an opening 192formed in the second housing portion 122 (via a pulley system 194described later). The motor 190 is also operatively connected to thetrigger 166, which is used to activate the motor 190 by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the motor 190 is enclosed in the field case182, between the second housing portion 122, generally below the handleportion 156. The field case 182 is connected to the inner surface 130 ofthe second housing portion 122, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. As such, themotor 190 is positioned generally vertically below the handle portion156. The motor 190 is coupled to a pulley or belt drive system 194 andis covered by a pulley cover 196.

As shown, the pulley 194 includes a generally circular first gear 202and a generally circular second gear 204, operatively connected by abelt 206. The pulley system 194 is mounted to the exterior of the motorfield case 182 and enclosed therein by the pulley cover 196. The pulleycover 194 is mounted to the motor field case 182. The pulley system 194allows for increased torque at lower motor speeds and therefore use of asmaller motor to produce equivalent power outputs of larger direct drivesystems. Further, advantages of belt drive systems over gear systems arethat they are quieter and generally more efficient.

As illustrated in further detail in FIG. 14, the motor 190 isoperatively connected to the second gear 204 by a second axle member208. The fan 150 is operatively connected to the first gear 202 by afirst axle member 168. The belt 206 facilitates the transfer ofmechanical power, torque and speed across the axles 168 and 208. Assuch, rotational movement of the second axle 208 by the motor 160rotates the second gear 204. The belt 206 transfers power to the firstgear 202, causing the first axle 168 to rotate the fan 150.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 3, the longitudinal center of gravity ofthe motor 190 about the longitudinal axis of the blower 100 isrepresented at MO. The longitudinal distance of the longitudinal centerof gravity of motor X_(MO) is approximately 9.4 mm from the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the blower BL. The lateral axis of the center ofgravity of the motor at MO has a lateral distance of Y_(MO) to BL, whichis approximately 44.0 mm laterally. In this centrally located position,the mass of the motor 190 is located generally below the handle portion156. As such, the torque forces with respect to the mass of the motor190 when it comes to turning the blower 100, are reduced in comparisonto blowers with motors that are not as centrally located to thelongitudinal and lateral center of gravity BL of the blower 100.

The third housing portion 124 of the housing assembly 110 has an innersurface 106 (not shown in FIG. 4), configured for connection withopposing inner surface 130 of the second housing portion 122. The thirdhousing portion 124 has an outside portion 170. The third housingportion 124 has an upper portion which defines a second part 164 of thehandle portion 156. As previously described, the second part 164 andfirst part 154 of the second housing portion 122 define the handleportion 156. The handle portion 156 allows the user to hold thebattery-powered blower 100 in front the user at a selected angle, whichis generally between 0 and −30 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, thelongitudinal center of gravity of the third housing portion 124, aboutthe longitudinal axis (x) is represented at TH

The distance of the longitudinal center of gravity of the third housingportion X_(TH) is approximately 11.9 mm from the longitudinal center ofgravity of the blower BL. TH has a lateral distance of Y_(TH) from thelateral center of gravity of the blower BL, which is approximately 7.3mm. As further shown in FIG. 9, the distance of the longitudinal centerof gravity of the blower BL to the end of the housing 110 has alongitudinal distance of X_(END) which is approximately 191 mm at a 25degree working angle. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between thecenter of gravity of the battery-powered blower and the end of the ofthe battery-powered blower and the overall longitudinal length of thebattery-powered blower is approximately 0.22

As shown in FIG. 7, the trigger 166 is provided within the handleportion 156, such that when the user depresses the trigger 166, themotor 190 is activated, which then activates the fan 150. The handleportion 156 is positioned laterally generally between the fan 150 andthe motor 190. The trigger 166 has a longitudinal and lateral center ofgravity at TR. As such, the longitudinal distance of the center ofgravity of the trigger TR to the longitudinal center of gravity ofbattery-powered blower BL is X_(TR), which is approximately 8.7 mm. Thelateral distance from the lateral center of gravity TR to the lateralcenter of gravity of the battery-powered blower BL is Y_(TR), which isapproximately 16.3 mm.

As illustrated, the battery 114 is removably mounted to the housing 110and more specifically to the third housing 124 and battery mount 108. Asshown in FIG. 6C, the battery 114 is provided generally vertically belowthe handle 156, such that a portion of the battery 114 and the handle156 are vertically aligned. Accordingly, the vertical center of gravityof the Battery BT is positioned vertically below the handle 156.

In general, the longitudinal and lateral distances between the battery114 and the motor assembly 160 affects the torque and moment of inertiarequired to rotate the blower. As two of the heavier components, it isdesirable to get these as close to the handle as possible. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2B, the inner surface area of the battery 114 abuts a sideof the housing assembly 110 of the blower. This configuration reducesthe distance between the battery 114 and the motor assembly 160 andthus, reduces the moment of inertia. It is contemplated that in thisbattery 114 to housing 110 configuration, at least approximately 30% ofthe inner surface of the battery 114 is positioned within the outerperimeter of the housing assembly 110.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, it is contemplated that theblower 100 may be configured such that when the battery 114 is connectedto the housing 110, approximately 76% of the inner surface of thebattery 114 is positioned within the outer perimeter of the housingassembly 110. Further, the battery 114 and housing assembly 110 may beconfigured such that approximately 100% of the inner surface of thebattery 114 positioned within the outer perimeter of the housingassembly 110.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the longitudinal center of gravity of the batteryis represented at BT The longitudinal distance of BT to the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the blower BL is X_(BT), which is approximately117.5 mm. The lateral distance of the side to side center of gravity ofthe battery BT to the lateral center of gravity of the blower BL isY_(BT), which is approximately 32.9 mm. Further, the longitudinaldistance between the longitudinal center of gravity of the motor MO andthe longitudinal center gravity of the battery BT is approximately 126.9mm. In another embodiment, the distance between the longitudinal centerof gravity of the motor MO and the longitudinal center of gravity of thebattery is approximately 152.4 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, a battery mount 108 is connected to the thirdhousing portion 124 generally along a top portion of the battery 114,between the motor field case and the battery 114. The battery mount 108is connected to the third housing portion 124 by fasteners. The batterymount 108 and foot member 116 (including its rear member 184)cooperatively form a chamber or shield which protects the battery 114 inthe event that the battery-powered blower 100 is dropped.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tube 112 has a generally curved configuration tofacilitate balance and alignment, when the blower 100 is held in anoperating position by the user. As shown in FIG. 9, the handle 156 isprovided in a generally offset position from the center of the tube 112.Accordingly, the tube 112 is a curved configuration, such that thecenter of the distal end 119 is aligned with the handle 166, therebyaligning the force output As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and FIG. 3, thelongitudinal center of gravity for the tube 112 about the longitudinalaxis(x) is located at TB, in which the longitudinal distance of X_(TB)is approximately 471.9 mm from the longitudinal center of gravity of theblower BL.

Additionally, the lateral center of gravity of the tube 112 is Y_(TB),which is approximately 61.4 mm from the lateral center of gravity of theblower BL. Accordingly, the longitudinal distance between thelongitudinal center of gravity of the battery BT and the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the tube TB is approximately 589.4 mm. Accordingly,the ratio of the longitudinal distance between the longitudinal centerof gravity of the battery BT and the longitudinal center of gravity ofthe blower BL relative to the distance between the longitudinal centerof gravity of the tube TB and the longitudinal center of gravity of theblower BL is approximately 0.25 This is a comparison of the distance ofthe longitudinal center of gravity of the battery BT to the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the blower BL, to the distance of the longitudinalcenter of gravity of the tube TB to the longitudinal center of gravityof the blower BL. This illustrates the compact nature of the battery tothe blower, the smaller the ratio, the more compact a unit.

As shown in FIG. 9, the overall longitudinal length of thebattery-powered blower is approximately 866.0 mm at a 25 degree workingangle and is represented as X_(BL). As such, the ratio of the distancebetween the longitudinal center of gravity of the battery BT and thelongitudinal center of gravity of the blower BL (117.5 mm), shown inFIG. 2B at X_(BT), and the overall longitudinal length of the overallbattery-powered blower X_(BL) (866.0 mm), shown in FIG. 9 is less than0.14

FIG. 10 illustrates the connection of the foot member 116 to thebattery-powered blower 100. As further shown in FIGS. 11A-C, the footmember 116 is configured to support the battery-powered blower 100 in aresting position. Further, the foot member 116 is configured to protectthe battery 114 from impacting a surface, in the event that thebattery-powered blower 100 is dropped. As shown, the foot member 116 isa contiguously formed member including a frontal member 180, a firstside member 188, second side member 186 and rear member 184. The footmember 116 is adapted for engagement with the lower portion of thesecond housing portion 122, and a lower portion of the third housingportion 124.

The foot member 116 provides multiple connection points for facilitatinga removable connection to the housing assembly 110 of the blower 100.The frontal member 180 has a fastening bracket 172 which extendsgenerally upward from the foot member 116. Generally central to thefront portion 180, the fastening bracket 172 has an aperture formedtherein for removable connection with the lower portion of the secondhousing portion 122.

The first side member 188 of the foot member 116, extends between thefrontal member 180 and the rear member 184. The rear member 184 extendsgenerally upward from the base of the foot member 116 for removableengagement with the second housing portion 122. As shown, a bracket 174with an aperture is provided generally centrally along rear member 184.The second side member 186, extends between the front member 180 andrear member 184. The second side member 186 includes a fastening bracket176 and aperture to facilitate connection with a lower portion of thethird housing portion 124. The foot member 116 is removably connected tothe housing assembly 110, facilitating replacement, if desired.

The foot member 116 may be constructed of a plastic material such aspolypropylene, Xenoy or any other durable composite plastic material.The foot member 116 absorbs energy on impact with a surface, in theevent that the battery-powered blower 100 is accidentally dropped. Thefoot member 116 configured to protect the battery 114 and as such, actsas a dampener, absorbing an impact with a surface. It is contemplatedthat the composition of the foot member 116 may allow the foot member116 to absorb up to 71 joules per meter. The foot member 116 furtherincludes a series of ribs 198, provided on the lower surface of the footmember 116, to provide traction when the battery-powered blower 100 isplaced on a surface.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, the foot member 116 has a longitudinaland lateral center of gravity represented at FT, which has thelongitudinal distance X_(FT) is 47.1 mm from the longitudinal center ofgravity of the blower BL, and has the lateral distance of Y_(FT) isapproximately 61.4 mm from the lateral center of gravity of the blowerBL.

In use, the battery-powered blower's 100 compact configuration permits auser to operate the blower 100 with a reduced moment of inertia incomparison to other blowers. As shown in FIG. 12, the user typicallyholds the battery-powered blower 100 in front of him/her at thesuspension point, which is the handle portion 166. As such, thebattery-powered blower 100 is generally in front of the user at anoperating angle generally between 0 degrees and −30 degrees, however atypical angle of operation is generally about −25 to −30 degrees, as theuser is typically blowing items below him/her.

The mechanical advantages of the compact configuration of thebattery-powered blower 100 over other previous blowers are remarkable. Auser that rotates the battery-powered blower 100 during use, similar toas illustrated in FIG. 13, will appreciate a significant reduction oftorque with the compact configuration. It has been calculated that withan rotational speed of 90 deg./sec., and taking 3 seconds to reach thatrotational speed, (which equates to 0.524 rad/sec²), 0.051 NM of torqueis required and the moment of inertia is approximately 0.09804(kg*m²).Remarkably, this is approximately 40% less than other blowers, whichwhen measured under the same conditions of angular acceleration ofapproximately 0.524(rad/sec²) require 0.073 NM of torque to rotate theblower, and the moment of inertia is approximately 0.13900 (kg*m²). Ithas further been determined that the ratios referenced herein provide amechanical advantage in reducing the torque forces and moment of inertiawhen operating and/or rotating the battery-powered blower 100.

Although the various exemplary embodiments have been described in detailwith particular reference to certain exemplary aspects thereof, itshould be understood that the invention is capable of other embodimentsand its details are capable of modifications in various obviousrespects. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variationsand modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit andscope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure,description, and figures are for illustrative purposes only and do notin any way limit the invention, which is defined only by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery-powered blower, comprising: a housingassembly including: a first housing portion having an outer side surfaceand an opposing first inner surface; a second housing portion having asecond inner surface to engage the first housing portion and an opposingthird inner surface; a third housing portion having a fourth innersurface configured to engage the third inner surface of the secondhousing portion, and an side outer surface opposing the fourth innersurface; wherein the first housing portion is connected to the secondhousing portion and the second housing portion is connected to the thirdhousing portion forming the housing assembly; a handle formed at a topportion of the housing assembly; an outlet tube extending from a frontportion of the housing assembly; and a battery mounted on a side of thehousing assembly, and wherein the center-of-gravity of the blower issubstantially laterally aligned with a handle.
 2. The battery-poweredblower of claim 1, a fan located in the housing assembly on a first sideof the handle, the fan having an axis of rotation in the lateraldirection, and a motor located on the housing assembly on a second sideof the housing assembly on an opposite side of the handle.
 3. Thebattery powered blower of claim 2, wherein the battery is mounted on anopposite side of the housing assembly as the fan.
 4. The battery-poweredblower of claim 1, wherein a foot member is removably attached to alower portion of the housing assembly, wherein the foot member includesa rear portion that extends generally upward to protect the battery. 5.The battery powered blower of claim 1, wherein when the battery ismounted to the housing assembly, and more than 30% of the inner surfacearea of the battery is positioned within the outer perimeter of thehousing assembly.
 6. The battery-powered blower of claim 5, wherein whenthe battery is mounted to the second housing portion, more than 76% ofthe inner surface area of the battery is positioned within the outerperimeter of the housing assembly.
 7. A battery-powered blower,comprising: a housing assembly having a handle portion, the handleportion having an central longitudinal axis defining a plane; an outlettube extending from a front portion of the housing assembly; a fanlocated within the housing assembly, and driven by a motor to blow airout of the outlet tube; a battery removably mounted the housingassembly, the battery being laterally offset from the handle portion. 8.The battery powered blower of claim 7, wherein the fan is positioned ona first side of the housing assembly and the battery is positioned on asecond side of the housing assembly, opposite to the first side.
 9. Thebattery powered blower of claim 8, further comprising a motor positionedadjacent the battery, wherein both the motor and battery are on a secondside of the housing assembly.
 10. The battery powered blower of claim 9,wherein the center of gravity of the blower lies laterally beneath thehandle.
 11. The battery-powered blower of claim 10, wherein thelongitudinal distance between the center of gravity of the battery andthe center of gravity of the blower is less than 120 mm.
 12. The batterypowered blower of claim 11 wherein the longitudinal distance between thecenter of gravity of the motor and the center gravity of the blower isless than 10 mm.
 13. The battery powered blower of claim 11, wherein theratio of the distance between the longitudinal center of gravity of thebattery and the longitudinal center of gravity of the blower and theoverall longitudinal length of the battery-powered blower is less than0.14.
 14. A battery powered blower comprising: a housing assemblydefining a inner chamber for holding a fan, the housing assemblyincluding a handle portion to be gripped by a user; a battery andmounted to a first side of the housing assembly; a fan mounted in theinner chamber, the fan having an axis of rotation in a lateral directionof the housing assembly, and located on a second side of the housingassembly, opposite the first side of the housing assembly; and whereinthe center-of-gravity of the blower is aligned with the handle portionso as to be substantially underneath the handle portion.
 15. The batterypowered blower of claim 14, wherein the housing assembly comprising afirst, second and third housing portion, and wherein the inner chamberfor the fan is formed by the first and second housing portion, and thebattery is mounted to the third housing portion.
 16. The battery poweredblower of claim 14, wherein at least 30 percent of the inner surfacearea of the battery is positioned within the perimeter of the housingassembly.
 17. The battery powered blower of claim 14, further comprisinga foot assembly removably secured to the bottom of the housing assemblyso that only the foot assembly contacts a resting surface, the footassembly having portions that are contoured to the shape of the batteryto protect the battery against drops.
 18. The battery powered blower ofclaim 14, further comprising an outlet tube connected to the housingassembly for directing air produced by the fan, the outlet tube having alongitudinal axis, the handle having a longitudinal axis, and whereinthe longitudinal axis of the outlet tube lies in the same plane as thelongitudinal axis of the handle.